For the third consecutive year, the U.S. Department of Agriculture, in cooperation with the Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (VDACS), will conduct a statewide survey to determine the extent of areas infested with the Emerald Ash Borer. The 2011 survey will include large areas of central, southern and western Virginia.

As part of the upcoming EAB survey efforts, USDA has contracted with Delta-21 Resources, Inc., to install approximately 5,500 traps throughout Virginia. The traps are easy to identify. They are purple in color, triangular in shape, and measure 14-inches wide by 24-inches long. The traps are baited with natural plant oil attractant and covered with a non-toxic glue to catch the insects. The traps are especially useful for revealing new infestations that would otherwise remain undetected.

The EAB larvae kill ash trees by feeding on the inner bark and disrupting the tree’s ability to transport water and nutrients. EAB was introduced accidentally into the United States, most likely in wood packing materials coming from Asia, and was first detected in Michigan in 2002. VDACS Commissioner Matthew J. Lohr explains the reasons for continuing the EAB survey, which began April 1 and will run through the end of August. He says, “EAB has already killed tens of millions of ash trees in 13 states, and we are very concerned about the infestations in Northern Virginia. The damage caused by this invasive insect can mean the loss of millions of dollars for homeowners, landowners, nursery and forest products industries. It is extremely important to track the movement of EAB in order to help slow its spread and to work with localities to help them make informed pest management decisions.”

If you haven’t visited your local Virginia Cooperative Extension office or their web site lately, stop by since there they share lots of great info! If you have real estate questions, I’m here to help, so let’s talk!

About James Friend Dickerson

Real Estate Consultant
As a native of Central Virginia and a full time REALTOR since 1991, James listens to your needs to provide information allowing you to make informed choices. In our constantly changing world, you need a REALTOR who puts you first providing rigidly flexible service. James Dickerson provides a high level of service designed to fit each individual clients needs. Having received many awards from both the local Association of REALTORS and RE/MAX International, James is recognized as an authority on the local real estate market. The highest form of recognition James receives continues to be the many repeat clients who seek out his services time after time plus sending their relatives, friends, co-workers and neighbors to James for their real estate needs. Contact James today for an interview to discuss your real estate needs. James is a licensed real estate sales person in the Commonwealth of Virginia with Charlottesville Solutions.
Personal
As a Central Virginia native (Born in Charlottesville and raised in Albemarle and Louisa Counties), James' youth was filled with extra-curricular activities and organizations centered around school, church and the Boy Scouts of America. A graduate of Virginia Tech with a degree in Forestry and Wildlife Management, James' non-real estate activities include spending time with family & friends, traveling, stalking deer & spring gobblers, fly fishing, church and Masonic activities. James and his lovely bride Karen live between Zion Crossroads and Gordonsville in the Green Springs area of Louisa County. Their dog Sammy passed away so they'll be adopting another dog soon through www.petfinders.com.

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